Stories
Greenville Cop Teaches Children to Pray
Two years ago, Buncombe Street’s Children’s Ministry joined the Greenville sheriff’s Adopt-a-Cop program. The program pairs officers with civilians in an effort to build mutually beneficial relationships. The Sherriff’s office has been overwhelmed with support. One Children’s Ministry family has been overwhelmed with the benefits of participation.
Children’s Ministry Director, Gayle Quay, put the word out that our Children’s program had “adopted” Deputy Major Dan Acord. She informed families that Major Acord works alongside a canine unit to find and diffuse bombs. Reverend Quay asked everyone to pray for the officer in addition to encouraging families to invite him for dinner or send him cards.
The Gosnell family jumped on the opportunity. Victoria Gosnell shares, “Every evening our family gets together to pray. It had been a while that we had been praying for pretty much the same things for ourselves. When I heard about Major Acord and his canine partner, I thought, ‘Great, we can pray for them!’” With a daughter and son, ages five and eight who love animals, Victoria saw this as a chance for everyone to learn to pray for others.
The Gosnells brainstormed together about what the officer may need to do his job. Then they prayed. Emma, age eight, prayed for the paws of Major Acord’s then canine partner, Diego. All four family members petitioned for their safety on the job and also for discernment in confusing situations.
The months have gone by and the Gosnells continue to pray for Major Acord. As a result, the whole family has a deepened understanding of civil service as well as practiced their ability to pray for others.
